Chief judges from courts nationwide expressed "serious regret" over the Democratic Party of Korea's push to force through three judicial reform bills in the National Assembly plenary session.
The Supreme Court convened an emergency meeting of chief judges from high courts and district courts across the country at its Seoul Seocho-gu headquarters on the 25th to officially discuss responses to the legislation. The meeting, attended by 43 participants including Supreme Court Administration Chief Park Young-jae and Deputy Chief Ki Woo-jong, ran from 2 p.m. to 6:45 p.m.
The three bills—criminalizing judicial distortion, introducing constitutional appeals against court rulings, and expanding the number of Supreme Court justices—could fundamentally alter the judicial system and significantly impact citizens' lives, the judges said.
"We express serious regret that these bills have been submitted to the plenary session without sufficient public discourse or deliberation on potential side effects, despite concerns raised by the judiciary and various sectors of society," the chief judges stated.
The judges argued that judicial system reform directly affects citizens' lives, rights remedies, and legal stability, requiring thorough deliberation through a consultative body comprising the courts, Constitutional Court, National Assembly, government, and experts.
The chief judges particularly opposed the proposed judicial distortion crime. They argued that even with amendments, the abstract nature of the crime's elements could excessively expand the scope of punishment, with the penalty provisions likely triggering a flood of criminal complaints.
"This raises concerns about outcomes that would undermine speedy trials and the protection of citizens' fundamental rights," they said.
Regarding constitutional appeals against court rulings, the judges warned that such a system would effectively delay final judgments, harming citizens. Litigants would suffer from repeated trials, and social losses from legal instability are anticipated, they argued.
While acknowledging the need for more Supreme Court justices, the chief judges cautioned that a rapid, large-scale expansion could weaken lower court proceedings and ultimately harm citizens. The majority view favored initially adding four justices—the feasible number at present—while monitoring impacts on lower courts and continuing discussions on further increases.
"Fundamental reform of the judicial system can cause serious, irreversible side effects," the chief judges said. "Broad and in-depth discussions through a consultative body encompassing various institutions and experts are necessary."